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Walking in Birmingham

National Travel Survey data, 2013, showed that 38% of all trips made in England were less than two miles in length and 67% less than 5 miles. As these distances are within the compass of most people who walk or cycle this shows great potential for using walking or cycling as a mode of transport. In recent years rising levels of car ownership have not only impacted on traffic levels, air quality, and noise in the city but also affected the health of residents.

Walking has the advantage of being free and can be readily integrated into daily routines. Five, thirty minute sessions of moderate activity a week is sufficient to maintain health, reduce the risk of dying prematurely and limit the onset of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis and colon cancer.